< Back to Articles
German and French String-Making: Historical Differences
German and French music string manufacturing have distinct historical differences that have influenced the development of their respective string-making traditions. These differences can be traced back to various factors such as cultural preferences, regional materials, and the evolution of musical styles.
Materials and Technology:
Historically, German string makers used both sheep and cow intestine for the core of their strings. This was a common practice in many European countries. However, Germans also played a significant role in the development of wound strings, where a metal wire is wrapped around the gut core to increase volume and projection.
French string makers, on the other hand, had a preference for sheep (or lamb) gut, and were known for using silk or synthetic materials for winding the strings. This choice was influenced by the availability of silk in France. The use of silk or synthetic materials resulted in strings with a brighter and more focused sound compared to all-gut strings.
Musical Styles and Preferences:
German music, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, was characterized by a preference for a warm, robust, and sonorous sound. German string makers developed strings that could produce the kind of deep, resonant tones favored in German classical and Romantic music.
French music, especially during the Baroque and Classical periods, demanded clarity, precision, and a more articulate sound. French string makers tailored their products to suit the lighter, more delicate style of French music.
Regional Variations:
Germany has a long history of string making in cities like Markneukirchen and Bubenreuth. These regions have had a strong tradition of crafting quality strings, often using gut cores with different winding materials.
In France, Mirecourt was a notable center for string production. French string makers were skilled in using silk or synthetic materials for winding to achieve their preferred tonal characteristics.
Evolution of the Industry:
The string manufacturing industry has evolved over time, with makers around the world producing a wide range of string types, including synthetic and steel-core strings to meet the demands of various musical styles.
It's important to note that these historical differences have become less pronounced in modern times, as string makers have incorporated various materials and techniques into their production methods. Today, musicians have access to a wide array of strings, and the choice of strings is often based on personal preference and the requirements of the music they perform, rather than strict regional traditions.
#
Hand-made in the USA by Gamut Music, Inc., a leader in the revival of early music strings and instruments. Gut strings are not intended to be used with fine tuners or string adjusters, and those devices should be removed before installing the gut string on the instrument.
All Gamut Academie strings (pure gut and gut/metal-wound) are made with beef serosa unless they specifically say "Sheep Gut." All pure gut Tricolore violin and viola strings are made with sheep gut; gut/metal-wound Tricolore and all Red Diamond strings are made with beef serosa.
Gamut gut string gauges are approximate (≈) diameter. Meaning, that while a ≈0.60mm string is polished in the workshop to a diameter of 0.60mm, changes in ambient humidity, temperature, shipping, and storage conditions can cause to string to expand or contract slightly.
Gimped gut strings and custom gauged equal tension strings are gauged with the equivalent-gauge (=) system. This means that the gauge listed, such as =1.50mm, indicates that the string is approximately equal in weight to a plain gut string of that diameter. Of course, because the wire is much heavier than gut, the string will be much thinner than a plain gut string.
More information about Gamut gut strings, string types, gauges, and string tensions can be found on our FAQ/Articles page. Not finding an answer to your question? Please contact us directly: support@gamutmusic.com.